Where nature meets health: towards a greener, healthier Europe

During EU Green Week, the Municipality of Assen organises a panel discussion. In this session, three European partners, including Assen, will present and discuss projects they are undertaking to create a nature-positive environment that contributes to improved health.

Assen is developing an environment in which healthcare institutions, public authorities, businesses and green infrastructure come together to support biodiversity and public health. Within the area, various healthcare institutions are established, serving a diverse group of people with needs ranging from physical to mental care.

The aim of the panel discussion is to exchange knowledge with European local authorities that are implementing similar projects, stimulating the connection between green and healthy environments. The discussion will provide insights into the challenges of local collaboration to transform areas into nature-positive environments connected to physical and mental well-being.

More information will be provided soon about the two other local examples which will be presented during this event. An intervention from the European Commission in connection with the Green Leaf and Green Capital ambitions is also foreseen.

The event takes place at the office of Cities Northern Netherlands in Brussels. The session will begin with a keynote address by an expert, arranged via the EU Office, followed by short presentations of the urban projects focused on improving health within a nature-positive setting. The session will conclude with a panel discussion, followed by networking drinks.